Athletics at Boston Red Sox

Firing the fastest pitch of the day at 99.2 mph in his 100th and final offering Saturday, Gage Jump let out a celebratory yell as he trotted off the mound. The Athletics lefty delivered the type of performance the team so desperately needed during baseball’s longest active losing streak – six innings, two runs, six hits, two walks and a career-high 11 strikeouts – to help halt a nine-game skid with a 7-3 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park. His final pitch sailed past a flailing Connor Wong. “Right there, it was just about emptying the tank and to execute,” Jump said. “I was fired up after that.” Both manager Mark Kotsay and catcher Brian Serven said Jump rarely shows emotion on the mound. They loved it. “He was just mixing everything really well today and showed that competitive nature,” Serven said. “He’s usually pretty to himself … but I think that was a big moment all-around and you could feel it. He let a little bit out and it’s good to see.” Jump is the first A’s lefty since 1928 to strike out 11 at Fenway Park, and the first with double-digit strikeouts at the ballpark since Vida Blue on June 10, 1974. Entering Saturday's contest, the scenario offered a recently proven winning formula. Starting pitcher, Jump. Opponent, Red Sox. The A’s last won on July 28, and that was the last game Boston had lost. Jump started that game, spinning six shutout frames against the same Red Sox in a 4-3 victory at Sutter Health Park. He danced around three hits and four walks while striking out seven. He also beat Jake Bennett in both games.